MCO http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/554 2026-04-18T20:52:02Z 2026-04-18T20:52:02Z Konde, Sharvari. http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2864 2026-02-04T11:50:13Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

विदर्भाचा अष्टविनायक: conservation management plan for one of the ashtavinayak Konde, Sharvari. India is a country where myth, history, legend, and faith are deeply intertwined. A prime example of this is the Hindu tradition of sacred geographies, where various religious sites become connected over time, forming pilgrimage routes or tirtha yatras. This tradition includes the four Dham’s in the four directions, the twelve Jyotirlingas spread across the nation, and the Shakti Peethas, which are believed to number between 51 and 108. These pilgrimage circuits are integral to India's unique spiritual heritage and draw tourists from all around the world. These locations range from regional centers of worship to representations of more widespread spiritual phenomena. One such pilgrimage circuit is located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. In Vidarbha, there are eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, each representing one of his eight forms. These Ashtavinayak temples in Vidarbha are associated with specific idols of Lord Ganesha and have their own legends and significance. Due to their dynamic nature, these pilgrimage sites experience seasonal and periodic spiritual cycles that lead to peaks in visitor numbers. However, the historic and cultural heritage of these locations is often at risk of neglect and mismanagement. This thesis, therefore, focuses on the role of Vidarbha Che Ashtavinayak as a pilgrimage destination and as a cultural, spiritual, and social center. It seeks to understand their impact on local communities and infrastructure. Keywords: Pilgrimage circuits, Vidarbha Che Ashtavinayak, Culture, Heritage

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Sharma, Ayushi. http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2862 2026-02-04T11:52:06Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Relating Hastinapur with the kuru capital of mahabharat era Sharma, Ayushi. The Mahabharata, one of the most celebrated epics of ancient India, is a vital source of cultural, historical, and geographical insights. Among the prominent locations mentioned in the epic, Hastinapur stands out as the illustrious Kuru capital, representing the socio-political and urban development of its time. This thesis, titled "Relating Hastinapur with the Kuru Capital of Mahabharat Era," endeavors to establish a connection between the epic's descriptions and the historical and geographical evidence of present-day Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating literary analysis, archaeological research, and geographical mapping. It begins by examining descriptions from the Mahabharata and other ancient texts, identifying urban characteristics, societal structures, and cultural elements associated with Hastinapur. These descriptions are systematically compared with archaeological findings, such as Painted Grey Ware (PGW) pottery, structural remains, and epigraphic evidence discovered in modern-day Hastinapur. The research aims to evaluate how these tangible elements corroborate the narrative elements described in the epic. Additionally, the thesis investigates geographical and environmental conditions, analyzing how the natural setting of present-day Hastinapur aligns with the descriptions of the epic city. River systems, topography, and settlement patterns play a crucial role in reinforcing the plausibility of this identification. The study also incorporates intangible heritage, exploring oral traditions, festivals, and cultural practices that have preserved the memory of Hastinapur as a sacred and historical site over centuries. Through this comprehensive analysis, the research seeks to bridge the gap between mythology and history, highlighting Hastinapur's significance as more than a symbolic representation but as a plausible historical urban center. By combining evidence from various disciplines, the thesis argues for the integration of epic narratives into historical research, underscoring their potential to inform our understanding of ancient civilizations. This work contributes to the broader discourse on India's heritage, offering new perspectives on interpreting and preserving the intersection of tangible and intangible cultural legacies.

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Abraham, Anmary. http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2861 2026-02-04T11:53:36Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Conservation of olappamanna mana, vellinezhi, Palakkad Abraham, Anmary. The traditional ancestral homes of Kerala, known as Manas, represent a unique synthesis of architectural, cultural, and social values shaped by centuries of historical evolution. Olappamanna Mana, located in Vellinezhi, stands as a significant example of the Namboothiri Brahmin heritage, reflecting the multifaceted character of Kerala’s vernacular architecture. Set against the backdrop of Kerala’s distinctive geography, climate, and social structure, the Mana complex embodies the spatial organization, craftsmanship, and intangible traditions that have defined the region’s built environment. This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the cultural significance, architectural typology, and conservation challenges of Olappamanna Mana. The research draws on detailed field documentation-including measured drawings, joinery details, construction techniques, and material mapping-supplemented by literature review and stakeholder engagement. The analysis is framed within the broader context of Kerala’s settlement history, the evolution of caste-based residential forms, and the impact of socio-economic transformations, particularly the effects of the Land Reform Act and the dissolution of the joint family system. The Mana complex is characterized by its multifunctional layout, comprising residential, ritual, and cultural spaces organized around courtyards and ancillary structures such as the poomukham (entrance), nadumuttam (courtyard), and pathayappura (granary). The study highlights the tangible and intangible heritage values of the site, including its associations with traditional arts, crafts, literature, and ritual practices. However, the research also identifies significant threats to the preservation of Olappamanna Mana, including material deterioration, fragmented ownership, changing land use, and the erosion of traditional knowledge systems. A critical aspect of the study is the identification and analysis of both tangible and intangible heritage values, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to conservation. The documentation is limited to the main courtyard residence due to ownership constraints, yet provides a representative understanding of the Mana’s architectural and cultural essence. The study also acknowledges the limitations in documenting all associated structures and art forms in the village, focusing instead on the core Mana complex. A key objective of the thesis is to formulate a conservation plan and adaptive reuse recommendations for Olappamanna Mana. Comparative analysis with similar heritage sites, such as Paliam Palace, informs the development of contextually appropriate strategies that balance the need for structural stabilization, functional revitalization, and community participation. The proposed interventions emphasize the use of traditional materials and techniques, the revival of cultural practices, and the establishment of sustainable management frameworks. By documenting and analysing the architectural and cultural significance of Olappamanna Mana, this study seeks to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect Kerala’s fast-disappearing Manas. The research contributes to the broader discourse on heritage conservation by providing specific guidelines for the maintenance, protection, and adaptive reuse of traditional residential complexes, ensuring their continued relevance as living embodiments of Kerala’s cultural identity.

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Sharma, Ananya. http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2859 2026-02-04T11:58:04Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

preserving basgo: a conservation approach for castle and gompa Sharma, Ananya. Basgo, once a significant political and spiritual center in Ladakh, now lies partially in ruins, weathered by time, climate, and neglect. The site, known for its fortress and Maitreya temples, played a key role in the military and religious history of the Namgyal dynasty. Today, despite its historical, architectural, and cultural importance, it is not protected under any formal heritage legislation. Constructed primarily using local materials such as thetsa, dzasa, and thabsa, Basgo represents a highly evolved tradition of earth-based construction. These materials were not chosen randomly but based on generations of experience with Ladakh’s climate, seismic activity, and available resources. The techniques used here, from rammed earth walls to layered earthen plasters, are deeply rooted in local knowledge systems, passed down orally and shaped by lived experience. Yet these traditions, like the structures themselves, are at risk of being forgotten or replaced by modern interventions that do not respond to the site’s context. This thesis explores Basgo as both a historic monument and a living system of material and cultural knowledge. Through documentation, material study, and value assessment, the project makes a case not only for the physical conservation of the site, but also for the recognition of the intangible practices that sustain it. The goal is to contribute towards a more informed, sensitive, and locally grounded approach to heritage management in the region — one that sees value in what is often overlooked, and urgency in what is slowly fading.

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z